ORR turning into bike racing zone

HYDERABAD: Every weekend, a good number of the richie-rich kids line up on the vast and inviting stretch of the outer ring road for what is called drag racing.“Every Saturday and Sunday, morning and at night, youngsters do race despite the fact two-wheelers are not allowed on that route,” a police officer told Express. Vrooming at break-neck speeds, ranging from 100-150 km, has become a new passion among the elite. The stakes are as high as the speeds. “It could be anywhere between Rs. 10k-20k or more. In fact, at times, the boys bet on their own bikes and four-wheelers,” sources said. “Some also drive under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” the sources added.The Andhra Pradesh Motor Sports Club, which conducts drag races under strict rules and regulations, confirmed that a new group has of late been conducting drag races particularly at nights on the ring road. “Previously, they used to hold the races on weekends but now because of increased police vigil, they are hastily arranging races. It is unsafe to race in the unguarded stretch,” an APMSC spokesman said.Mazdayar Vatcha, a multi-national rally champion, agrees. “Of late, many youngsters are violating all rules. It is always risky to ride a 250cc bike. You have to be an expert and experienced to control the vehicle. It straightaway touches 100 kmph in the first gear itself. For a 250cc bike, one has to have a proper licence,” he explained. According to Vatcha, most of these racers aim at 300 kmph which is an invitation to death. “The two-wheeler goes out of control at the slightest obstacle like a road divider. It is an invitation to disaster,” he said.No chance of survivalA helmet and a full-piece leather suit are a must. Sadly, most youths don’t wear jackets and even if they have a helmet, they do not tie the strap. This results in the helmet flying off when racing in full speed. As such, chances of survival are zero. The new race coursePreviously, the racers’ preferred routes were Jubilee Hills, Madhapur, Begumpet, Banjara Hills and Raj Bhavan. But after the installation of CCTV cameras, they have moved on to ORR.